HJRES9119th CongressWALLET

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

Sponsored By: Representative McClintock

Introduced

Summary

This bill would add a new Article to the Constitution that limits the federal government's ability to increase its debt. It sets a seven‑year window for state ratification and delays the amendment's effect for ten years after ratification.

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  • Congress: Any law that increases federal debt would need the approval of three‑fourths of the membership in each House and the law must identify a specific purpose for the increase.
  • Federal borrowing: The restriction would be written into the Constitution and the text includes no definitions, exemptions, or enforcement rules describing what counts as a debt increase.
  • State legislatures and timing: State legislatures would have up to seven years to ratify the amendment, and the amendment would not become operative until ten years after ratification.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Congress needs 3/4 vote to borrow

This joint resolution would propose a constitutional amendment on federal borrowing. The government could not raise U.S. debt. Both chambers would need a law with a specific purpose. That law would need a three‑fourths vote of all members. If three‑fourths of state legislatures ratify it within seven years, it would take effect ten years later. This could make it harder to borrow for programs or emergencies. Households could see changes to benefits, taxes, and interest rates.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

McClintock

CA • R

Cosponsors

  • Weber (TX)

    TX • R

    Sponsored 1/3/2025

  • Grothman

    WI • R

    Sponsored 12/1/2025

  • Hageman

    WY • R

    Sponsored 12/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov

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